Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels with Ear Infections (UK)
The best all-round food for a Cocker Spaniel with ear infections is Pooch & Mutt Skin & Coat. Herring omega-3 plus linseed target the allergic inflammation that drives a Cocker's repeat ear flare-ups — tackling the cause, not just the symptom. Below we explain why this breed is prone to ear infections, what to look for, and our full breed-specific picks. Last updated 4 June 2026.
Why Cocker Spaniels Are Prone to Ear Infections
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most ear-disease-prone breeds in the UK. In the RVC's VetCompass study of English Cocker Spaniels, the breed had almost 15 times the odds of aural (ear) discharge compared with the wider dog population, and otitis externa affected roughly one in ten dogs in a single year. Two forces stack up against them: their long, pendulous, heavily-haired ear flaps trap warmth and moisture so any inflammation festers — and the breed is also disproportionately affected by allergic skin disease, the single most common underlying cause of recurrent ear infections. So while diet won't change ear shape, reducing dietary inflammation can meaningfully cut how often these dogs flare, alongside routine ear hygiene.
Source: Engdahl et al. 2024, Canine Medicine and Genetics (RVC VetCompass)
What to Look for in Food for a Cocker Spaniel with Ear Infections
A 12-16kg Cocker eats 180-250g of dry food daily. Because recurrent ear infections in this breed are usually downstream of allergy and inflammation, an anti-inflammatory, limited-ingredient diet works best as a long-term preventive — paired with keeping the ears clean and dry, never as a substitute for treating an active infection.
- High omega-3 (fish-based) to reduce ear-canal inflammation
- Novel or limited protein to remove a possible food trigger
- No artificial additives
- Skin-barrier nutrients (zinc, biotin, linseed)
Our Top Picks for Cocker Spaniels with Ear Infections
🏆 Best Overall: Pooch & Mutt Skin & Coat
Herring omega-3 plus linseed target the allergic inflammation that drives a Cocker's repeat ear flare-ups — tackling the cause, not just the symptom.
Check Price →Symply Fresh Turkey
Single turkey protein, no chicken or grain — a clean elimination base to test whether a food allergen is behind the recurring infections.
Check Price →Millie's Wolfheart Riverside Mix
Duck and trout novel proteins strip out nearly every common allergen — the forum go-to for allergy- and ear-prone spaniels.
Check Price →Quick Comparison
| Product | Protein | Meat % | Fat | Price/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canagan Free-Run Chicken | 33% | 60% | 17% | £8.33/kg |
| Orijen Original | 38% | 85% | 18% | £13.33/kg |
| Lily's Kitchen Chicken & Duck | 28% | 50% | 16% | £7.86/kg |
| Symply Fresh Turkey | 26% | 50% | 14% | £6.33/kg |
| Eden Holistic Original Cuisine | 36% | 80% | 18% | £10.00/kg |
| Harringtons Grain Free Turkey & Veg | 22% | 30% | 10% | £2.00/kg |
| Forthglade Natural Lifestage Chicken | 24% | 50% | 12% | £7.50/kg |
| Acana Classics Prairie Poultry | 31% | 60% | 17% | £9.17/kg |
Feeding Tips for Cocker Spaniels with Ear Infections
- Transition slowly — switch foods over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food in, to avoid digestive upset.
- Portion to ideal body weight, not current weight — and weigh meals rather than eyeballing them.
- Give one change time — allow 4-6 weeks before judging whether a new food is helping.
- Keep a symptom diary during any change so you and your vet can see what's working.
When to See Your Vet
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Speak to your vet before making major dietary changes — especially if your Cocker Spaniel has persistent symptoms, sudden changes, weight loss, or isn't improving after a few weeks on a new food. Diet can help manage ear infections, but some cases need medical treatment.
Last reviewed 4 June 2026 by the PawPicks editorial team. We recommend foods on merit only — see our affiliate disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Cocker Spaniel keep getting ear infections?
Cocker Spaniels are one of the most ear-prone breeds — RVC VetCompass data found almost 15 times the odds of ear discharge versus other dogs. Their long, heavy, hairy ear flaps trap warmth and moisture, and the breed is also prone to allergic skin disease, the most common underlying cause of recurrent ear infections. The combination means inflammation easily turns into repeat yeast and bacterial flare-ups.
What is the best food for a Cocker Spaniel with ear infections?
Choose a fish-based, grain-free food high in omega-3 with a single novel protein and no artificial additives — a herring or salmon recipe is ideal. The omega-3 reduces the allergic inflammation that drives a Cocker's repeat ear trouble, while the limited ingredients help rule out a food trigger. Keep the ears clean and dry alongside, and treat any active infection with your vet.
Can changing my Cocker Spaniel's food stop the ear infections?
It can reduce how often they happen if a food allergy or general dietary inflammation is part of the cause, which is common in this breed. It won't change the ear shape that traps moisture, so diet works best as a long-term preventive combined with routine ear hygiene — not as a cure for an active infection, which needs veterinary treatment.
Is it the ears or an allergy causing my Cocker's problem?
Often both. The breed's pendulous ears create the conditions for infection, but the trigger is usually allergy — food or environmental. Up to a quarter of food-allergic dogs have the ear as their only affected area, so persistent or recurring ear infections are a legitimate reason to trial a limited-ingredient elimination diet under vet guidance.
Sources: our answers reflect UK veterinary guidance, including the BVA position on diet choices and Which? veterinary nutrition reporting. Always consult your own vet before changing your dog's diet.
Related Guides
- The full guide: Best Dog Food for Ear Infections (all dogs)
- Your breed: Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels
- Cocker Spaniels with Itchy Skin — if that's also a concern
- Cocker Spaniels with Dental Disease — if that's also a concern
- All breed feeding guides
Understand Your Options
Before you switch your Cocker Spaniel's food, it helps to understand what you're actually buying:
- How to read a dog food label (UK) — decode the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and marketing claims.
- Cold-pressed vs kibble vs raw — the pros, cons and safety trade-offs of each format.
- Grain-free vs regular dog food — what the evidence actually says about going grain-free.
- Wet vs dry dog food — how moisture, cost and palatability really compare.
- How to run a dog elimination diet (UK) — the gold-standard way to pin down a food trigger behind your Cocker Spaniel's ear infections, step by step.
Our Top Picks — Full Reviews
Orijen Original
Milo testedThe gold standard of grain-free dog food. 85% quality animal ingredients with multiple protein sources mimicking a natural diet. WholePrey ratios include organs and cartilage for complete nutrition without synthetic supplements.
- 85% animal ingredients — highest on this list
- Multiple protein sources (chicken, turkey, fish)
- WholePrey ratios include organs for natural nutrition
- No synthetic amino acid supplements needed
- Very expensive — £13.33/kg
- Rich formula may cause loose stools initially
- Strong fish smell some owners dislike
Best for: Active dogs, Multi-protein diet, Premium nutrition
Canagan Free-Run Chicken
Milo testedPremium British-made grain-free kibble with 60% chicken content. Includes joint-supporting glucosamine and MSM, plus sweet potato for slow-release energy. One of the most popular grain-free options in the UK.
- 60% chicken content — genuinely high meat
- UK-made with traceable ingredients
- Includes glucosamine + MSM for joints
- Sweet potato instead of white potato
- Premium price — £8.33/kg
- Only one protein source (chicken)
- Some dogs dislike the small kibble size
Best for: Adult dogs, Chicken lovers, Joint support
Eden Holistic Original Cuisine
Milo testedExceptional 80/20 formula from a small-batch UK manufacturer. Gently prepared at low temperatures to preserve nutrients. Six animal proteins in one recipe for a varied, biologically appropriate diet.
- 80% meat content — outstanding
- Six different protein sources
- Small-batch UK production
- Low-temperature preparation preserves nutrients
- Not widely available in shops
- Multiple proteins = not ideal for elimination diets
- Price increase over last year
Best for: Multi-protein fans, Quality-focused owners, Active/working dogs
Symply Fresh Turkey
Milo testedOutstanding value grain-free option from a well-regarded UK brand. Uses freshly prepared turkey as the sole protein — ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities. Sweet potato and pea-based carbohydrates.
- Excellent value at £6.33/kg
- Single protein source — great for allergies
- UK-made with high-quality turkey
- No chicken or common allergens
- Lower protein than premium brands
- Limited flavour range
- Less well-known brand
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, Allergy-prone dogs, Turkey-only diets
Acana Classics Prairie Poultry
Milo testedFrom the same makers as Orijen but at a more accessible price point. 60% quality poultry ingredients with 40% fruit, vegetables, and botanicals. A solid mid-range option that delivers excellent nutrition.
- Same manufacturer as Orijen — trusted quality
- Good balance of quality and price
- Multiple poultry proteins
- Includes wholesome fruits and botanicals
- Not as premium as Orijen sibling
- Contains some legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
- Can be harder to find in shops
Best for: Quality on a mid-range budget, Poultry fans, Orijen alternative
Lily's Kitchen Chicken & Duck
Milo testedWell-known premium British brand offering natural grain-free recipes with 50% freshly prepared meat. Certified B Corp with ethical sourcing. Popular choice with good availability in supermarkets and pet shops.
- Widely available in UK supermarkets
- B Corp certified — ethical production
- No artificial preservatives, fillers, or derivatives
- Good range of flavours and sizes
- Lower meat content than competitors (50%)
- Contains potato starch as filler
- Premium price for the meat percentage
Best for: Convenience seekers, Ethical buyers, Fussy eaters
Forthglade Natural Lifestage Chicken
Milo testedDevon-based family brand making natural dog food since 1971. Grain-free cold-pressed option that's gentle on digestion. Known for excellent palatability and steady energy release.
- Cold-pressed for better digestion
- Over 50 years of UK manufacturing
- No synthetic preservatives
- Steady energy release throughout the day
- Cold-pressed kibble different texture — some dogs take time to adjust
- Moderate meat content
- Smaller bag sizes available
Best for: Sensitive stomachs, Tradition seekers, Devon dog lovers
Harringtons Grain Free Turkey & Veg
Milo testedThe most affordable grain-free option in the UK, widely available in supermarkets. Good entry point for dogs transitioning to grain-free. Lower meat content than premium options but genuine value for money.
- Incredible value at £2.00/kg
- Available everywhere — Tesco, Asda, Pets at Home
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- Good for transitioning to grain-free
- Only 30% meat — lowest on our list
- Potato-heavy recipe
- Basic nutritional profile
Best for: Budget buyers, Grain-free starters, Multi-dog households